Israeli Citizen Detained in Belarus for Two Months Over Prescription Pills
An Israeli man in his 50s has been detained in Belarus for two months after prescription pills intended for his parents were found in his luggage at Minsk airport, leading to smuggling charges.
An Israeli citizen in his 50s, married and a father of a five-year-old child, has been detained in Belarus for two months after prescription pills meant for his elderly parents were found in his possession at the Minsk airport.
Arrest at Minsk Airport
The incident began in early August when Evgeny and his family arrived at Minsk airport. After passing security checks, they were stopped by customs and asked if they were carrying medication. The prescription pills, clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy, and patient details in a health fund bag, were confiscated, and he was released following several hours of questioning.
Two weeks later, while staying with his family and parents at a resort, local authorities arrived, conducted a search, and arrested him on drug smuggling charges. His sister, Alex, told N12: "None of us imagined this could happen. We thought it ended with confiscation, and suddenly we discovered he is being accused of trafficking."
Family's Plea and Foreign Ministry Response
The family expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the detained man's five-year-old son constantly asks about his father. They also highlighted the severe distress of his 75-year-old parents, who travel weekly to the detention facility to bring him supplies.
"The child doesn't know where his father has been for two months," Alex said. "He draws pictures of him and asks his mother about him. We are all terrified of what will happen there."
The family criticized the Israeli Foreign Ministry's handling of the case, claiming they were told the ministry cannot intervene in criminal matters. In response, the Foreign Ministry stated that the Israeli embassy in Minsk and the Department for Israelis Abroad are working with local authorities to arrange a consular visit and remain in contact with the family.
